Friday, June 13, 2008

Update On TJ The Terror

The sanctuary seems to be on recovery mode and TJ has worked out a pact with the donkey residents. Actually, he realized that except for Wilson whom he had comandeered as his reluctant best friend, every other resident feared and despised him. The larger and older members of the group had a meeting and decided on a plan of action. TJ was put in a paddock with two of the elders and this time they were ready. "hey ya fosils, im gonna lay anothr beatin on yer ole bones", he said. With that, the two elders sandwiched him between them and while one picked him up by the scruff of the neck, the other soundly thrashed him. "hey, no fair, no fair, pickin on the smal and helples", he squawked. Then Jed was let back in the paddock and, drawing courage from the example of the other two, was able to make TJ back down. The attitude adjustment seems to have taken and he is now in the mixed herd, minding his, p's and q's - not that he actually knows his alphabet.

Jack is gaining weight at a great rate and no wonder, he gets a huge bowl of gruel and all the hay he can eat. Grazes all day and has lots of specially chopped up treats, spends lots of time at the salt block - well, you get the picture. His coat is still a strange patch-work affair but he dreams of the day he will be as sleek as a harbour seal. He had a long lie-down in the sand ring today and on arising said "Ahhh, that did my old bones a world of good - now for some vittles." He has a quaint and old-fashioned way of expressing himself.

My own coat is starting to fill in, though TJ has depleted large areas. Our herd of four is a model of peaceful co-existence. There are no small bodies hurtling through the air or outbursts of raucous pseudo-braying or trees being dismembered - hard to believe Jack has only been here a week.

9 comments:

That's good news about TJ! It was not going to be a good thing for him to continue being seen as such a terror. Hopefully he can now learn to exist peacefully within a herd.

I love Jack's calm demeanor. I hope you will share some photos of him soon so we can see how well he's doing!

We have some excitement going on today - neighbors cutting down what they said were "dead" trees. Everyone I've seen fall has been laden with green leaves though. All the barn is astir as the trees crash to the ground, and I've had to stay out half the day keeping my eye on the young grandson, who is NOT equine friendly and doesn't seem to know the first thing about boundaries. (he actually reminds me of a human version of TJ!) He grabbed the fence tape today after being reminded many times that is is electric, and received a surprise. Hopefully he now knows we aren't just putting him on.

Rafer Johnson is monitoring each bit of activity with a keen eye and very tall ears. I finally enticed everyone into the barn with hay and fans and hopefully they'll stay in the shade and let the neighbors finish their timbering.

Sheaffer,Well, I guess TJ finally learned that when in Rome, it don't pay to piss off the Pope..bout time, eh? How are Doc and Jack doing together? Sounds like the world is back on course in your neck of the woods....glad to hear that. Say HI to Jack for me, and tell him we are waiting for some stories, as soon as he has the energy to speechify them.Have FUN!!Mr Gale

billie, I think the sanctuary heaved a collective sigh of relief at TJ being suitably chastised. He's angry because he very much liked it here, but unfortunately his escalating guerrila tactics made him mule non grata. I hope they left some trees at your neighbour's - those things take a long time to grow.

Mr. Gale, Doc is pretending Jack doesn't exist, which is just fine with Jack. Doc is missing his adopted child and is having a bit of a blue funk. Jack gets flax seed oil in his feed and some msm and some vitamins and minerals. Do you think flax oil works the same way as wheat germ oil in promoting hair growth? Jack is anxious to grow at least a light covering to keep away flies and the embarrassment at being nearly naked.

Sheaffer, This is great news indeed! TJ has gotten his come-uppance! Absolutely perfect that one donk lifted him off the ground while the other thrashed him!

It's wonderful that you and Jack are enjoying each other's company. He looks like a lovely fellow to be your companion. The picture of the two of you dining in your rooms is delightful. Doc will come around. How does Molly feel about all this? Or is she just *above it all*, as mares should be? (Except for *that time* in Spring when we embarrass ourselves.)

Flax seed oil is the very best for growing a sleek, shiny coat. You should have the woman add a little to your dinner to help you overcome the patchwork look from TJ. A little gelatin powder, as Mr Gale suggested, helps equines' feet be strong and pliable.

We are happy to see that you have no less to write about now that TJ has left the premises! Your musings can now be unsullied by reports of abuse to your person, and the woman will still and always give you much material with her silly human antics.... ;^)

Sheaffer,you got some good stuff, flaxseed is just as good as wheat germ, but a bit more expensive....the jello powder is for hair cells and hoofs, as both are made out of that type of protien....we need to get you both all gussied up to represent Donkeys in the elections!!Mr Gale

Hi Sheaffer,We are pleased to hear all is going well with you and Jack. My mom and I were getting very worried about your wellbeing when TJ shared your space. Jack looks like quite a charming, older gentleman who will provide lots of words of wisdom and I am sure fatherly advice. As he gets more settled in and comfortable with you I am sure he will get more talkative. Jack is fortunate to have found a home with you and your family.